Inspiration of Life

  By Shemara Ramnarain My love for the mic started when I was just 14 years old at a local radio station. I still remember the excitement of sitting behind that mic for the first time — the nerves, the thrill, the strange comfort of hearing my own voice reaching others. As time went by, what started as curiosity turned into a true passion. I’ve always loved people — talking to them, laughing with them, celebrating with them. Over the years, MCing became my way of connecting. There’s something truly special about walking into a room full of strangers and leaving with warm smiles, heartfelt compliments, and genuine appreciation. It’s in those moments I knew: I was born to do this. After over 25 years on the mic, you’d think I’ve seen it all — from wild weddings and polished corporate dinners to spiritual fundraisers and birthday milestones. But if this year has taught me anything, it’s this: no two events are ever the same, and growth never stops — no matter how long you’ve been in t...

  As June brings cooler nights here in South Africa, there's nothing quite like comforting, wholesome vegetarian meals to warm the body and soul. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, these easy recipes are perfect for cosy evenings — no fancy ingredients, no fuss. 🍲 1. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup Ingredients: 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed 1 onion, chopped 2 carrots, sliced 2 potatoes, cubed 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp dried thyme 1 can chopped tomatoes 4 cups vegetable stock Olive oil, salt, and pepper Method: 1️⃣ In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. 2️⃣ Add carrots, potatoes, paprika, and thyme; cook for 5 minutes. 3️⃣ Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender. 4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread. 🍛 2. Creamy Butternut and Coconut Curry Ingredients: 1 s...

 There’s something powerful about May. It’s a turning point—a quiet shift in energy that calls us to rise, reflect, and realign. The pace of the year begins to quicken, and with it comes a reminder: the time is now. To live with more purpose. To move with more intention. To open our arms wide to the abundance that’s trying to find us. For me, May feels like a personal checkpoint. A moment to pause and ask: Am I in alignment with what I truly want? Am I nurturing the parts of me that light up? This month, I’m choosing to vibrate higher. To show up for myself, even on the days that feel slow or uncertain. Because the work I do within reflects the life I create outside. Keeping a high vibration doesn’t mean we’re always happy or unaffected—it means we choose to rise above the noise. It means we protect our energy, stay grounded in gratitude, and intentionally create space for peace, clarity, and flow. We learn to listen more and rush less. To be okay with not knowing how everythin...

Life is strange, isn’t it?  As we grow older, we learn — from our elders, from our families, from our friends — and most importantly, we learn from our Punditji. (The  term "Punditji" is a respectful address for a knowledgeable person, often used in Hindu religious or cultural contexts. "Pundit" refers to a learned scholar or expert, particularly in subjects like scriptures, rituals, philosophy, and music. The suffix "ji" is an honorific used in Indian culture to show respect. So, "Punditji" is a polite and respectful way of addressing a Pundit, similar to calling someone "Professor" or "Reverend" in English.) Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing Pundits, sharing stages with them, and engaging in meaningful, respectful conversations. Each interaction leaves me with something new to reflect on, and I continue to grow through these moments.  There was a special someone I met — someone who, sadly, is no long...

Starting 2025 with Mel Robbins’ "Let Them Be": A Powerful Guide for Personal Growth As we step into 2025, many of us are reflecting on our goals, relationships, and mindset for the year ahead. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and pressure to change everything at once. But what if the key to a peaceful, fulfilling year isn’t about controlling every situation or fixing everything around us? What if it’s about letting go and embracing things as they are? This is the empowering premise of Mel Robbins’ latest book, Let Them Be: A Guide to Releasing the Need to Control Others. In a world that’s constantly pushing us to fix, manage, and improve everything in our lives—whether it’s work, family, or relationships—Robbins reminds us of a simple truth: sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to let people be themselves. Why You Should Start the Year with Let Them Be If you’re someone who tends to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, always trying to fix th...

Every morning, I start my day with a Dirty Chai at Vida e Cafe. It’s my little ritual, a moment of calm before the day’s challenges begin. As I sip my chai, I feel myself gearing up for what lies ahead, getting into the mindset to tackle whatever the day throws at me. There’s something about that warm cup, the blend of spice and caffeine, that fuels not just my body but my creativity as well. I find that creativity isn't just about solving problems or finding artistic inspiration. It’s about approaching the day with a mindset that allows me to see opportunities where others might see obstacles. My morning chai is my daily reminder that no matter what challenges arise, there’s beauty in overcoming them with a creative spirit. That moment of calm at Vida e Cafe is like pressing the reset button—it clears my mind and opens up space for new ideas, allowing creativity to flow freely into the most unexpected parts of my day. Creativity often surprises us. It’s more than just art, w...